A Guide to Massachusetts Turkey Hunting Regulations

Embarking on a wild turkey hunting expedition in Massachusetts demands a nuanced understanding of the regulatory landscape. This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth breakdown of crucial information, from season dates to licensing requirements, ensuring hunters are well-prepared for a successful and compliant experience.

Important Regulations

General Rules

Deer

Bear

MA Hunting Season Schedule

Season Chronicles and Hunting Hours

Content Highlights

Youth Turkey:

Zones 1–13: Apr. 22, 2023 (with special restrictions)

Spring:

Zones 1–13: Apr. 24 – May 20, 2023
Hunting Hours:
Youth Day: From 1/2 hour before sunrise until 5:00 p.m.
Spring General: Starting 1/2 hour before sunrise and concluding at noon.

Fall:

Zones 10–13: Oct. 2 – Nov. 25, 2023
Zones 1–9: Oct. 16 – Nov. 25, 2023
Hunting Hours (Fall): Beginning 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset.

Note: Sundays are off-limits.

Licenses, Permits, and Safety Stickers

Before setting out, secure the necessary licenses and permits, conveniently available through MassFishHunt:

Massachusetts Residents:

Hunting or Sporting License
Turkey Permit
Safety Sticker*

Non-Residents:

Big Game License
Turkey Permit
Safety Sticker*

*For shotgun or muzzleloader hunters, a visible safety sticker is mandatory. Obtain a new or replacement sticker from MassWildlife offices or via email at mass.wildlife@mass.gov.

Bag Limits

Spring: A maximum of 2 bearded birds, harvestable on the same day.
Fall: One bird of either sex.

Hunting Arsenal

Spring:

Shotgun: Up to 10 gauge, with shot no larger than #4.
Muzzleloader: .775 caliber smoothbore with shot no larger than #4.
Archery Equipment: Bows with a minimum 40lbs draw weight, arrows with steel broadhead blades of at least 7/8 inches in width.

Fall (WMZ 1–13):

Shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, and archery equipment from Oct. 16 – Oct. 28, 2023.
Exclusive use of archery equipment during specified periods.

Blaze Orange Mandate

Spring: Blaze orange attire not mandatory.
Fall: A blaze orange cap is requisite when hunting on a WMA stocked with pheasants or quail during their respective schedule.

Hunting Etiquette

Licensed turkey hunters can act as callers for others but should not carry any equipment after reaching the yearly limit.
Prohibited methods include electronic calls, dogs, bait, and driving/herding turkeys.
The wanton waste clause emphasizes responsible retrieval of wounded or dead game animals.

Tagging, Transporting, and Reporting Rituals

Report harvested game within 48 hours.
Immediate attachment of the paper tag to the carcass is mandatory.
Game must remain intact until reported.
Reporting can be done at official check stations or conveniently online through MassFishHunt.

Note: For a comprehensive understanding, consult the Code of Massachusetts Regulations, 321 CMR 3.02(9), and Chapter 131 for the latest regulations.

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John Lewis

John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.

A Guide to Massachusetts Turkey Hunting Regulations